Best Practices for the Management of Historical Records
Compiled by the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
In 1998, with a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board (WHRAB) conducted the Best Practices Project. This project strengthened partnerships between the WHRAB and three statewide organizations of records creators and keepers. Project staff worked together to create a usable package of information about the management of historical records.
Project Outcomes
- Critical needs for information on historical records management were identified for the following organizations: Wisconsin Council for Local History (WCLH), the Wisconsin Association of Public Librarians (WAPL), and the Registers in Probate Association (RIPA).
- Guidelines of best practices were compiled using existing literature and input from task force members.
- Three workshops were held. Each organization received a curriculum packet to teach additional workshops after the project’s conclusion.
Project Manuals and Curriculum Packets
The Best Practices Project created these manuals of best archival practices and accompanying curriculum packets. These manuals and the curriculum packets can be used by organizations to educate their own members.
- Wisconsin Association of Public Librarians (WAPL)
- Creating a Collection Development Policy (PDF, 123 KB)
Collection development for local historical records in public libraries. - Workshop Curriculum Packet (PDF, 257 KB)
Learn to create a collection development policy for local historical records in public libraries.
- Creating a Collection Development Policy (PDF, 123 KB)
- Registers in Probate Association (RIPA)
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Storage Environment . . . (PDF, 260 KB)
- Workshop Curriculum Packet (PDF, 255 KB)
Learn best practices for records storage.
- Wisconsin Council for Local History (WCLH)
Learn More
About the Wisconsin Historical Records Advisory Board
Have Questions?
For more information please contact Assistant State Archivist and WHRAB Deputy Coordinator, Abbie Norderhaug, by phone at 608-264-6478 or by email below:
abbie.norderhaug@wisconsinhistory.org